Rotation sensing and magnetometry using localization on a ring shaped lattice

ABSTRACT

Embodiments relate to a sensor system configured to detect physical rotation, entire or relative, of one or more objects and/or their environment and/or proximity of a magnetic field, by measuring the degree of localization of a medium trapped in a ring-shaped artificial lattice. The lattice structure can be configured to comprise of lattice sites distributed with a lattice period around an azimuth of a closed ring. The site depths of the plurality of lattice sites can be configured to be modulated with a modulation period different from the lattice period to affect the onsite energies of each lattice site and the eigenstates of the system. Physical rotation of the sensor and/or the proximity of magnetic field will alter the localization properties so as to cause the degree of localization of the medium to change (e.g., the medium becomes more confined in space or more spread out in space).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application 62/787,502 filed on Jan. 2, 2019, theentire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made with government support under Grant No. 1707878awarded by the National Science Foundation. The Government has certainrights in the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments can relate to a sensor system that can be configured todetect rotation of an object and/or proximity of a magnetic field to anobject by measuring localization distortion of media trapped in aring-shaped artificial lattice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional sensing techniques or methods using artificial lattices formeasurements can be appreciated from U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,761,721;4,992,656; 4,874,942; 5,552,887; 9,030,655; U.S. Pat. Publ. No.2006/0103380; U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2007/0241747; U.S. Pat. Publ. No.2017/0016710; Observation of light localization in modulated Besseloptical lattices by Fischer et al., Optical Society of America, 2006;Eigenmodal Analysis of Anderson Localization by Ying et al., Feb. 13,2014, available athttp://www.journals.elsevier.com/physica-b-condensed-matter/;Localization characteristics of two-dimensional quasicrystals consistingof metal nanoparticles by Rong et al., available athttps://arxiv.org/vc/arxiv/papers/0902/0902.4772v1.pdf; and Mean-FieldDynamics and Fisher Information in Matter Wave Interferometry by Haine,Jun. 16, 2016 available athttps://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.230404.

Precision rotation sensing has continued to rely upon interferometrytechniques and likewise high precision sensing of magnetic fields useinterference effects in the embodiments of SQUID (superconductingquantum interference device). The sensor systems and the maximumsensitivity and precision attainable in both arenas are thereforesubject to limitations of interferometry. This invention relates toembodiments based upon a different principle that does not require useof interferometry and yet can be capable of achieving comparable orbetter sensitivity or precision of conventional interferometry basedmethods and possibly on shorter time scales.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments can relate to a sensor system that can be configured tomeasure physical rotation, entire or relative, of one or more objectsand/or their environment, and/or proximity of a magnetic field, with ahigh degree of sensitivity. The sensor can be configured to use aring-shaped arrangement of lattice sites distributed according to alattice period to generate an artificial lattice structure for confininga medium (e.g., atoms, molecules, ions, photons etc.). The well depthsof the individual lattice sites of the lattice structure can beconfigured to be modulated via periodic modulation (e.g., sinusoidalmodulation) with a modulation period that can differ from the latticeperiod, to affect the onsite energies of each lattice site and theeigenstates of the medium in lattice structure. Physical rotation of thesensor or the proximity of magnetic field will alter the degree oflocalization (e.g., the medium becomes more confined in space or morespread out in space). The degree of localization can be determined viaderived equations that take into account relevant variables such asonsite energy at each lattice site and the strength of interactionbetween lattice sites.

The degree of localization can be measured and it is highly sensitive torotation, entire or relative, of an object and/or proximity of amagnetic field. One of the benefits of the inventive system is theability to obviate the use of interferometry, as is otherwise used inconventional precision rotation sensing systems. It should be noted thatother forms of rotation sensor systems (ones that do not useinterferometry), such as mechanical gyroscopes for example, cannotprovide the level of precision that embodiments of the disclosed systemand methods can achieve.

In one embodiment, a sensor system can include an artificial latticestructure configured to confine a medium to a plurality of lattice sitesarranged in the shape of a closed ring, the artificial lattice structurehaving a lattice period that defines a distance between adjacent latticesites, wherein each lattice site is defined as a potential well having asite depth. The sensor system can include a modulation mechanism forvarying the site depth of any one or combination of lattice sites of theplurality of lattice sites, in accordance with a modulation period, themodulation period being different from the lattice period, and amagnitude of the modulation defined by a modulation amplitude. Themedium can have a property of being able to migrate among the pluralityof lattice sites, with a propensity of migration defined by a couplingstrength between adjacent lattice sites. The sensor system can beconfigured to generate an output that is a function of the distributionof the medium in the artificial lattice structure.

In some embodiments, the sensor system includes an artificial latticestructure generating apparatus configured to generate the artificiallattice by continuous variation of an energy field or a structure towhich the medium is sensitive so as to create a plurality of localminima where the medium congregates, wherein each of the local minimumdefines a location of a lattice site.

In some embodiments, the lattice period and the modulation period arecommensurate with each other such that the complete circumference of theclosed ring accommodates an exact positive integer multiple of thelattice period and an exact positive integer multiple of the modulationperiod.

In some embodiments, the modulation mechanism is configured to modulateany one or combination of the site depth and the coupling strength.

In some embodiments, the artificial lattice includes: a coherent lightsource configured to generate photons as the medium; and a plurality ofwaveguides configured to propagate the photons. Each waveguide is set asa lattice site arranged in the closed ring-shape. The modulationmechanism includes an apparatus for tuning a refractive index and/or thecoupling strength of each waveguide.

In some embodiments, the artificial lattice includes a modulatedring-shaped interference pattern of light comprising a first set oflight beams and a second set of light beams. A pair of primary laserlight sources generates the first set of light beams comprising a firstprimary light beam and a second primary light beam, each of the firstprimary light beam and the second primary light beam having internalorbital angular momentum, wherein the first primary light beam ischaracterized by an azimuthal mode index that differs from an azimuthalmode index of the second primary light beam such that the interferenceof the first primary light beam and the second primary light beamcreates a ring-shaped interference pattern of alternating dark andbright intensities to generate the plurality of lattice sites. A pair ofsecondary laser light sources generates the second set of light beamscomprising a first secondary light beam and a second secondary lightbeam, each of the first secondary light beam and the second secondarylight beam having internal orbital angular momentum, wherein the firstsecondary light beam is characterized by an azimuthal mode index thatdiffers from an azimuthal mode index of the second secondary light beamsuch that the interference of the first secondary light beam and thesecond secondary light beam creates a ring-shaped interference patternof alternating dark and bright intensities, wherein the azimuthal modeindices of the second set of light beams differs from the azimuthal modeindices of the first set of light beams so that the ring-shapedinterference pattern formed by the second set of light beams occurs at aperiodicity that differs from a periodicity of the ring-shapedinterference pattern formed by the first set of light beams. Themodulation mechanism is configured to cause the ring-shaped interferencepattern formed by the second set of light beams to overlap with thering-shaped interference pattern formed by the first set of light beamsto generate the modulated ring-shaped interference pattern. The mediumis confined within the modulated ring-shaped interference pattern. Themodulation mechanism includes an apparatus for adjusting power of eachof the primary laser light sources and the secondary laser light sourcesto tune the coupling strength and the modulation amplitude.

In some embodiments, the sensor system includes an additional lightsource configured to generate a light-sheet to further confine themedium.

In some embodiments, the sensor system includes an apparatus forgenerating the atoms or molecules as the medium, the apparatusconfigured to place the atoms or the molecules in an ultracold state togenerate ultracold atoms or molecules as the medium, wherein the atomsor the molecules display quantum mechanical features of coherent matterwaves.

In some embodiments, the sensor system includes an apparatus foradjusting the azimuthal mode indices and the internal orbital angularmomenta of the first set of light beams and the second set of lightbeams to adjust and control the lattice period and the modulationperiod.

In some embodiments, the artificial lattice includes a substrate havinga first material and a plurality of second material formations withinthe first material, the first material having an energy bandgap that iswider than an energy bandgap of the second material, the second materialformations being configured to confine the medium. The plurality ofsecond material formations is arranged in the closed ring-shape. Thesubstrate is configured as a transistor having a source terminal, adrain terminal, and a gate terminal. The modulation mechanism includesan apparatus for adjusting voltage applied to the transistor.

In some embodiments, the modulation mechanism is configured to vary theenergy bandgaps of the plurality of the second material formations.

In some embodiments, the modulation mechanism is configured to vary thephysical dimension of the plurality of the second material formations.

In some embodiments, the sensor system includes a detection unitconfigured to receive the output.

In some embodiments, the sensor system includes the medium is any one orcombination of: photons; ultracold atoms or molecules; and particlesthat carry electric charge.

In some embodiments, the medium interacts with itself and the effects ofsuch interaction is utilized to attain better sensitivity.

In one embodiment, a method for sensing rotation can involve adjustingthe modulation mechanism of an embodiment of the sensor system disclosedherein so that a ratio of the coupling strength to the modulationamplitude causes the medium to have a tendency to delocalize or have atendency to localize in the absence of rotation. The method can involveintroducing the medium so as to be distributed among the plurality oflattice sites according to a predetermined distribution function. Themethod can involve allowing the medium to exist or evolve in the sensorsystem for a predetermined period of time. The method can involvemeasuring distribution of the medium among the plurality of latticesites and quantifying the degree of localization of the medium. Themethod can involve detecting rotation by determining a magnitude ofangular velocity via a calibration of degree of localization to themagnitude of rotation and/or rate of rotation.

In some embodiments, detecting rotation involves measuring extrinsicrotation; the modulation mechanism is adjusted so that the ratio of thecoupling strength to the modulation amplitude causes the medium to havea tendency to delocalize in the absence of any rotation; and thepresence of rotation causes partial localization in proportion to a rateof rotation.

In some embodiments, detecting rotation involves detecting relativerotation of a first component and a second component. The firstcomponent includes the artificial lattice structure and a first objectattached thereto. The second component includes the modulation mechanismand a second object attached thereto. The modulation mechanism isadjusted so that the ratio of the coupling strength to the modulationamplitude causes the medium to have a tendency to localize in theabsence of any rotation. The presence of rotation causes partialdelocalization in proportion to a rotation.

In one embodiment, a method for sensing magnetic fields and/or magneticpotentials can involve adjusting the modulation mechanism of anembodiment of the sensor system disclosed herein so that a ratio of thecoupling strength to the modulation amplitude causes the medium to havea tendency to delocalize; introducing the medium, the medium carryingelectric charge, so as to be distributed among the plurality of latticesites according to a predetermined distribution function. The method caninvolve allowing the medium to exist or evolve in the sensor system fora predetermined period of time. The method can involve measuring thedistribution of the medium among the plurality of lattice sites andquantifying the degree of localization of the medium. The method caninvolve detecting presence of a magnetic field and/or a magneticpotential by calibration of the degree of localization to the magnitudeof magnetic field and/or the magnitude of the magnetic potential.

In some embodiments, a direction of rotation, as in left handed or righthanded, clockwise or anticlockwise, or an orientation of the magneticfield is determined by calibrating or preparing the system such that thedegree of localization increases in the presence of rotation that is ina first direction but decreases when in the presence of the rotationthat is in a second direction, or the degree of localization increasesin the presence of magnetic field or potential that is in a firstorientation but decreases when in the presence of a magnetic field orpotential that is in a second the orientation.

Further features, aspects, objects, advantages, and possibleapplications of the present invention will become apparent from a studyof the exemplary embodiments and examples described below, incombination with the Figures, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, aspects, features, advantages and possibleapplications of the present innovation will be more apparent from thefollowing more particular description thereof, presented in conjunctionwith the following drawings. Like reference numbers used in the drawingsmay identify like components.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of extrinsic operation wherein the sensorsystem is applied to an object to measure physical rotation of theentire object and/or its proximity to a magnetic field.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the sensor system being applied to twoseparate objects or separately movable parts of a single object tomeasure their relative rotation.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary artificial lattice structure than can be usedwith an embodiment of the sensor system. In the first instance, themedium is shown contained by a confining potential represented as atorus, and the presence of the lattice is evident in the preferentialclumping of the medium at specific lattice sites. In the secondinstance, a more schematic illustration represents the lattice as markedlocations around a circle with the medium depicted as an undulatingcurve of height proportional to the local density of the medium.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary periodic potential energy formation that canbe used to generate lattice sites of an embodiment of the artificiallattice structure, with modulated site depths illustrated.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary illustration of localization distortion ofmedia trapped within an embodiment of the artificial lattice structuredue to physical rotation and/or presence of a magnetic field. Cases ofcomplete delocalization (extended), partial localization (which has thesame meaning as partial delocalization), and complete localization areillustrated.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary sensor system configuration using waveguidesto generate a ring-shaped arrangement for an embodiment of theartificial lattice structure.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary sensor system configuration using a pair ofcoaxially propagating laser beams with a hollow intensity cross-section,as in Laguerre-Gaussian beams, to generate a ring-shaped arrangement foran embodiment of the artificial lattice structure.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary sensor system configuration using asemi-conductor substrate to generate a ring-shaped arrangement for anembodiment of the artificial lattice structure.

FIG. 9 illustrates the modulation of the onsite energies of the latticesites, with the displacement of the lattice sites from the plane of areference circle indicating the magnitude of the modulation, and asinusoidal curve indicating that the modulation values are dictated bysome periodic function with a periodicity that differs from that of theperiodic spacing of the lattice sites.

FIG. 10 illustrates how two sinusoidal confining potentials around thering, but of different periodicities, can be utilized, with one latticeserving as the lattice structure and the second lattice providing themodulation of the onsite energies at the lattice sites. The two periodicpotentials are first shown separately, and then their sum is shown. Acircle is drawn as a reference for the degree of undulation of thepotentials around the ring.

FIG. 11 illustrates how the basic lattice structure can be a sequence ofuniformly spaced rectangular potential wells, while the depth of eachpotential well is modulated following a sinusoidal function of adifferent period than that of the rectangular lattice.

FIG. 12 is a plot of computed inverse participation ratio (IPR) thatquantifies the localization in the case of extrinsic operation, shownfor the ground state of in a tight-binding approximation for 8 latticesites and with modulation period of 5. High values of IPR correspond tolocalization. A transition to delocalization is seen to occur around|λ|=½. However, in the delocalized regime |λ|>½, ridges are present,marking partial localization with dependence on phase θ in the regime inaccordance with a derived equation that can be used for an embodiment ofthe sensor system.

FIG. 13 is a contour plot of a top view of the IPR for a section of FIG.12, demonstrating the progressive narrowing of a ridge marking partiallocalization, indicating heightened sensitivity to the phase θ.

FIG. 14 shows the Fisher information corresponding to FIG. 12, showinghigh values at the positions of the ridges. High Fisher informationindicates high level of information about the parameter of interest θcontained in the observable, which is the distribution of the mediumamong the lattice sites.

FIG. 15 is the counterpart of FIG. 12 for intrinsic operation, and showsan exemplary IPR in the case of intrinsic operation. In the localizedregime, dips are present marking partial delocalization with dependenceon the phase φ in the regime in accordance with a derived equation thatcan be used for an embodiment of the sensor system.

FIG. 16 is the counterpart of FIG. 13 for intrinsic operation, and showsa contour plot of a top view of a section of FIG. 15, demonstrating theprogressive narrowing of a dip marking partial delocalization,indicating heightened sensitivity to the phase φ.

FIG. 17 is the counterpart of FIG. 14 for intrinsic operation, and showsthe associated sensitivity for intrinsic operation quantified by theFisher information, but with the phase θ replaced by the phase φ, andplotted versus (1/λ, φ) instead of (λ,θ).

FIG. 18 shows the Fisher information for extrinsic operation computedfor the time-evolved state ψn(t=T) with an initial state ψn(t=0) that iscompletely localized, with duration of evolution T=10 units inaccordance with a derived equation.

FIG. 19 shows the Fisher information for extrinsic operation computedfor the time-evolved state ψn(t=T) with an initial state ψn(t=0) that iscompletely delocalized, with duration of evolution T=10 units inaccordance with a derived equation.

FIG. 20 shows the Fisher information for extrinsic operation for λ=5 andduration of evolution T=1 units in accordance with a derived equation.

FIG. 21 shows the Fisher information for intrinsic operation for 1/λ=20and duration of evolution T=1 units in accordance with a derivedequation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is of exemplary embodiments that are presentlycontemplated for carrying out the present invention. This description isnot to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purposeof describing the general principles and features of the presentinvention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by thisdescription.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, embodiments relate to a sensor system 100 thatcan be configured to detect entire rotation (meaning rotation as awhole) of the environment it is housed in or of a specific object 104that it is attached to and measure the rate of that rotation; andalternately can be configured to detect and measure the relativerotation of two separate objects 103 and 104 which could alternately besub-parts of the same system or object, with the recited object 103attached to subpart 101 of the sensor system 100 and the recited object104 attached to subpart 102 of the sensor system 100, wherein subparts101 and 102 can be configured to be able to rotate and moveindependently of each other; and alternately can be configured to detectthe presence or proximity of a magnetic field to the recited environmentor an object 104 and measure the strength of that magnetic field; withthe detection and the measurement in all listed functionalities, beingachievable at a high degree of sensitivity.

The system 100 can include an artificial lattice structure 105configured to confine a medium 106 at predetermined lattice sites 108.The system 100 can be configured to comprise of additional structures107 to provide necessary confinement or containment for the medium 106in different directions and orientations. The artificial latticestructure 105 can be formed by manipulating a relevant energy field orphysical structure, or combinations thereof, to which the medium 106 issensitive, to generate local potential energy wells or minima (to bealso referred to as potential wells) located at the predeterminedlattice sites 108 wherein the medium 106 would have the affinity tocongregate. For example, the artificial lattice structure 105 caninclude a plurality of waveguides 110 configured to propagate laserlight (see FIG. 6). Each waveguide 110 can serve as a potential well andthe photons propagating through the waveguides 110 constitute the medium106. As another example, the artificial lattice structure 105 can beformed by the interference of laser beams having hollow intensitycross-sections and each carrying a different internal orbital angularmomentum (OAM), creating a spatially periodic pattern of intensityvariations resembling a lattice structure 105 in which the medium 106can be trapped (see FIG. 7) congregating around the locations of theintensities that correspond to the minimal values of potential energysensed by the medium 106, which in this embodiment can be ultracoldatoms or molecules that can be sensitive to laser fields. Additionallasers can be used to produce the structures 107 to confine the medium106 in directions transverse to the lattice structure 105. As anotherexample, the artificial lattice structure 105 can include an array ofquantum wells formed in a semi-conductor material (see FIG. 8). Themedia 106 in this embodiment can be charged particles, such as carrierslike electrons and holes or alternately ions.

The artificial lattice structure 105 can be configured to have a closedring-shaped arrangement, such that the potential wells, and hence thelattice sites 108 that constitute the artificial lattice structure 105,are arranged in an annular fashion (e.g., around the circumference of aflat circle). For instance, an artificial lattice structure 105 can havea first lattice site 108, a second lattice site 108, a third latticesite 108, and a fourth lattice site 108. The first lattice site 108 canbe located at a 12 o'clock position, the second lattice site 108 can belocated at a 3 o'clock position, the third lattice site 108 can belocated at a 6 o'clock position, and the fourth lattice site 108 can belocated at a 9 o'clock position. It will be understood with the benefitof the present disclosure, that any number of lattice sites 108 can begenerated along the lattice structure 105. For instance, an artificiallattice structure 105 can have a first lattice site 108, a secondlattice site 108, a third lattice site 108, and a fourth lattice site108, a fifth lattice site 108, a sixth lattice site 108, a seventhlattice site 108, an eighth lattice site 108, etc. Each lattice site 108can be positioned equidistant from adjacent lattice sites 108, so thatthe locations of the lattice sites 108 within the artificial latticestructure 105 have a set periodicity to them. The distance separatingthe centers of adjacent potential minima or lattice sites 108 will bereferred to herein as the lattice period; in the case of a ring-shapedarrangement of the lattice sites, that distance can be as measured alongthe ring circumference.

The maximum depth of each potential well, as experienced by the medium106, defined with respect to some chosen reference value, will bereferred to herein as the site depth 112. Embodiments of the system 100can be configured so that the site depths 112 can be modulated (see FIG.9), such that the site depths 112 vary from one lattice site 108 toanother lattice site 108 by becoming shallower or deeper. The modulationof the site depths 112 can occur with a well-defined periodicity thatdetermines the minimum distance after which the modulation repeatsitself, referred to herein as the modulation period. It is contemplatedfor the modulation period to be different from the lattice period asdefined herein. Having the modulation period be different from thelattice period can facilitate modulation of the system 100 by causing asite depth 112 of at least one lattice site 108 to be changed by ameasure that is different from that of another lattice site 108. Forexample, if the artificial lattice structure 105 has eight lattice sites108 equally spaced apart around a closed ring-shaped arrangement, thenit has a lattice period of C/8, with C representing the mean lengtharound the ring. Modulating the site depths 112 can be done using asinusoidal function with a periodicity set as to fit 5 complete periodsover the same span C, for example. The value of the sinusoidal functionat the center of the lattice site 108 serves as the measure of thedegree to which the site depth 112 is made to vary from its unmodulatedvalue. The modulation can be induced by a second modality of the samemechanism used to create the fundamental lattice structure 105 for eachspecific embodiment as described earlier, but with the understandingthat other methods of creating the modulation are possible and coveredherewith. As explained herein, the amplitude or strength of themodulation can be a controllable variable or parameter, and will bereferred to herein as the modulation amplitude.

It is contemplated that lattice period and the modulation period can becommensurate with each other such that the complete spatial span of thelattice structure, which can be the length of the circumference of aclosed ring, accommodates an exact positive integer multiple of thelattice period and an exact positive integer multiple of the modulationperiod, where the two positive integers as recited can be different.

It is contemplated for the medium 106 to have the ability to migratebetween the lattice sites 108 to some limited degree that can becontrolled and tuned as needed by varying the unmodulated depth 112 ofthe potential wells at the lattice sites 108 or the mean separationbetween adjacent lattice sites 108. The degree to which the medium 106can migrate or tunnel between adjacent lattice sites 108 is quantifiedby a parameter that will herein be referred to as the nearest-neighborcoupling strength, or simply as the coupling strength.

It is contemplated for the medium 106 to display properties of waves,and specifically, possess the ability to display the wave property ofcoherence. For example, the medium 106 can be comprised of materialparticles in quantum-mechanical states that behave as matter wavesdescribed by the Schrödinger equation. Such particles may include, butare not limited to atoms, molecules, ions, subatomic particles likeelectrons or holes, quasi-particles, composite particles, etc. Asanother example, the medium 106 can be coherent light, such as producedby a laser, which can also be described as aggregates of masslessparticles called photons in a quantum mechanical picture.

The degree of localization of the medium 106 is the primary observable,and in general terms, defined as the level of non-uniformity in thedistribution of the medium 106 around the lattice 105, taking intoaccount the proclivity of the medium 106 to congregate at the latticesites 108. Two extreme cases will illustrate: If the medium 106 isdistributed such that all lattice sites 108 contain equal fractions ofthe medium 106 then it would be considered completely delocalized (orextended); at the other extreme, if the totality of the medium 106 iscongregated at one single lattice site 108, then it is completelylocalized. All other cases would be intermediate. FIG. 5 illustratesthese two extreme cases along with an intermediate case of partiallocalization which is the same as partial delocalization.

The degree of localization can be determined from the measurement ordetection of how the medium 106 is distributed among the differentlattice sites 108. The degree of localization as defined above can bemade highly sensitive to rotation, entire or relative, and in the caseof a medium 106 that carries electric charge, also to the presence orthe proximity of magnetic fields. For instance, the degree oflocalization can be calibrated to the rate of rotation or the amount ofrotation or the strength of the magnetic field, such that a measurementof the degree of localization will yield a measurement of the strengthof each of the listed characteristics.

Referring to FIG. 6, in an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, thesensor system 100 can include an artificial lattice structure 105configured to confine a medium 106 at predetermined lattice sites 108.The artificial lattice structure 105 can include a plurality ofwaveguides 110, arranged in a circular array to form a ring-shapedarrangement and configured to propagate laser light along a path P. Eachwaveguide 110 can be considered a lattice site 108. A coherent lightsource 114 (e.g., a laser) can be coupled to the artificial latticestructure 105 via an optical coupler 116 (e.g., lens, collimator, etc.and combinations thereof). With this embodiment, the medium 106 (e.g.,the photons or laser light) can be propagated along the artificiallattice structure 105 along a path P. Each waveguide 110 can beconfigured to have its refractive index tuned. This can be achieved viaapplication of electric fields, use of thin films, use of adjustable airgaps between materials comprising the waveguides 110, etc. The tunablenature of the refractive indices can allow for modulation of therefractive indices of the waveguides 110 which serves as the modulationof the site depths 112. The plurality of waveguide 110 can be modulatedvia changes in refractive indices that occur with a modulation periodthat differs from the lattice period.

Referring to FIG. 7, in another exemplary, non-limiting example, theartificial lattice structure 105 can be formed with a pair of primarylaser light sources 118. For instance, two laser beams (e.g., a firstprimary light beam and a second primary light beam) can be produced fromthe same laser using beam splitters, their outputs being converted bydiffraction from forked gratings contemplated to be spatial lightmodulators (SLM) 127. The SLM 127 can produce holographic patterns sothat the outputs are converted to a pair of beams 119 and 120. The pairof beams 119 and 120 can have azimuthal phase dependence, also calledinternal orbital angular momentum (OAM). For instance, the pair of beams119 and 120 can be generated as Laguerre-Gaussian beams having hollowintensity cross-sections, with each beam characterized by a differentazimuthal mode index, such that their interference creates a resultantbeam 125. The resultant beam 125 can contain a ring-shaped pattern ofalternating dark and bright intensities about its azimuth. Lattice sites108 can be realized at a desired location by manipulating the beam 125with optical elements (e.g., any one or combination of mirrors, beamsplitters, etc.). For instance, the beam 125 can be reflected from amirror 128. A pair of secondary laser light sources 121 in a setupsimilar to that recited for the pair of primary laser light sources 118,can be used to produce a pair of beams 122 and 123 (e.g., a firstsecondary light beam and a second secondary light beam) also carryinginternal OAM but with a different combination of azimuthal mode indices.This can be done so that when the beams 122 and 123 are brought tointerfere, a resultant beam 126 is generated that contains a pattern ofalternating dark and bright intensities of a different periodicity thanis produced by the primary laser light sources 118. Beam 126 can bemanipulated by interaction with optical elements, such as by reflectionfrom a mirror 128 so as to be made to overlap with the primary beam 125at the desired location where lattice sites 108 are realized. Thisoverlapping configuration can serve to modulate the lattice sites 108.Medium 106 can be cooled and congregated in the locations of potentialminima of the lattice sites 108. The media 106 in this embodiment can beatoms or molecules. An additional light source 130 can be used togenerate a light-sheet 132 that orthogonally transverses the light beams125, 126. The light-sheet 132 can be generated by producing a laser beamthat is focused only in one direction (e.g. using a cylindrical lens).The light-sheet 132 can be used to provide confinement to the medium inthe direction of propagation of the beams 125, 126. The site depth 112of the lattice sites 108 can be controlled via the intensities of lightsources 118, and modulation amplitude can be controlled via theintensities of light sources 121. In addition, the lattice period andthe modulation periods in this embodiment can be tuned by changing thecombinations of the azimuthal mode indices in the beam pair 119, 120 andthe beam pair 122, 123 respectively.

Referring to FIG. 8, in another exemplary, non-limiting example, theartificial lattice structure 105 can be formed as an array of quantumwells generated in a semi-conductor material 136. For example, asemi-conductor material 136 having a first energy bandgap can be formedbetween a material 138 having a second energy bandgap, wherein thesecond energy bandgap is wider than the first energy bandgap. Thesemi-conductor material 136 with the first energy bandgap can be thequantum well or the lattice site 108. For instance, the artificiallattice structure 105 can be a substrate 134 of material 138 having aplurality of semi-conductor material 136 formations positioned withinthe material 138. The plurality of semi-conductor material 136formations can be in a ring-shaped arrangement. The media 106 in thisembodiment can be charged particles. The substrate 134 can be configuredas a transistor having a source terminal, a drain terminal, and a gateterminal. The transistor can be connected to an electrical power source.The site depths 112 can be tuned in by changing the gate voltage appliedto the transistor.

In the embodiment recited above, modulation of site depths 112 can beachieved by applying different gate voltages to the different wells.Alternately, the modulation of site depths 112 can be achieved byvarying the first bandgap in the different instances of the plurality ofsemiconductor material 136, for example by changing the level of doping.Alternately, the modulation of site depths can be achieved by varyingthe physical dimensions of the plurality of semiconductor material 136to alter the value of the eigenenergies of the associated quantum wells.

Embodiments of the sensor system 100 can include a detection unit 140.The detection unit 140 can be configured to detect the degree oflocalization of the medium 106 (e.g., how much the medium becomes moreconfined in space or more spread out in space) due to rotation orpresence of a magnetic field. The detection unit 140 can be configuredto operate in a manner that is feasible with the type of artificiallattice structure 105 being used. For example, embodiments of the sensorsystem 100 in which the artificial lattice structure 105 is generatedvia a plurality of waveguides 110 can include a detection unit 140configured to measure the distribution of light output from theartificial lattice structure 105. This can be done with a charge-coupleddevice (CCD) camera that detects the light output at the exit end of thewaveguide array. The intensity of light detected from each waveguidedetermines the distribution of the medium among the lattice sites 108 inthis embodiment. Embodiments of the sensor system 100 in which theartificial lattice structure 105 is generated via the interference ofcounter-propagating laser beams can include a detection unit 140configured to capture images of the medium. This can be achieved byturning off all the confining potentials and releasing the medium 106allowing it to expand ballistically and imaging the expanded medium 106after a suitable time. Such imaging techniques can include, but are notlimited to, absorptive imaging, fluorescence imaging, and dispersiveimaging. The image can be directly correlated to the distribution of themedium 106 among the lattice sites before release. Embodiments of thesensor system 100 in which the artificial lattice structure 105 isgenerated via an array of quantum wells formed in a semi-conductormaterial 136 can include a detection unit 140 configured to measurecurrent flow from the lattice sites 108. Possible of ways of sensingvariation in localization of the charged particle can include monitoringvariations in the flow of a current around the ring. Alternately, theoutflow of current from each individual quantum well can be measured forthe same purpose. Alternately, direct imaging of the distribution of thecharged particles among the different lattice sites 108 can be measuredfor the same purpose.

The sensor system 100 can include a processor. The processor can be ahardware unit connected to a memory (e.g., a non-transitory computerreadable medium). The memory can have a program and/or applicationstored thereon that can be run to have the processor perform anembodiment of the methods disclosed herein. The processor can be part ofthe detection unit 140. In the alternative, the detection unit 140 canbe in communication (e.g. via a direct wired communication connection, adirect wireless communication connection, or a network communicationconnection) with the processor to facilitate transmission of databetween the detection unit 140 and the processor. The processor can beconfigured to detect the degree of localization of the medium 106.Methods of doing so are described in more detail later.

The operation of the invention can be described quantitatively in thesimplified context of a tight-binding approximation for a medium subjectto a periodic lattice potential, with the understanding that eachembodiment will generally require more involved quantitative analysis,but can be well described by this approximation in the limit of deeppotential wells. The tight-binding approximation treats the latticesites 108 as a set of discrete points labeled by site index n, with eachlattice site assigned an onsite energy as defined herein, and with everylattice site interacting only with its nearest neighbors (as inimmediately adjacent lattice sites, n−1 and n+1), the strength of thatinteraction being the coupling strength as defined herein. FIG. 9 showsan idealized discrete lattice model in the limit of the tight-bindingapproximation with lattice sites 108 confined to a ring-shaped latticearrangement, with the modulation of the onsite energies depicted asvertical displacement of the lattice sites 108.

Within this tight-binding approximation, Equation (1) can be used todescribe the behavior of the medium 106 distributed among discretelattice sites 108, by determining the possible stationary solutions forψn, which represent the complete set of amplitudes of the medium 106located at all lattice sites 108 in the lattice structure 105, labeledby values of the site index n, and in general ψn can comprise ofcomplex-valued numbers or expressions.

V ₁ψ_(n+1) e ^(−iθ) +V ₂ cos(2πnα+φ)ψ_(n) +V ₁ ψn−1 e ^(iθ) =Eψ_(n)  Equation (1)

-   -   ψn comprises of the amplitudes of the medium 106 located at        lattice site 108, labeled by an index n, and in general can be        complex-valued.    -   V₁ is the coupling strength between al attice site n and its        nearest neighboring lattice sites n±1.    -   V₂ defines the modulation amplitude of the onsite energy as        defined herein.

${\lambda = \frac{V_{1}}{V_{2}}},$

the ratio of the coupling strength to the modulation amplitude.

-   -   E are eigenenergies associated with specific solution for ψn    -   The cosine factor modulates the onsite energies at the lattice        sites 108, as reflected by its dependence on the lattice site        index n.    -   α is a rational number that can be represented by p/q, where p,        q=1, 2, 3, . . . with (p, q)=1    -   The phase φ measures the phase shift of the modulation relative        to the positions of the lattice sites.    -   The phase θ is the phase associated with the coupling between        neighboring lattice sites. Notably, in the form presented,        Equation (1) can be applied to matter waves as well as to light        with reinterpretations that do not impact the primary outcomes        relevant to embodiments of the system 100 and methods disclosed        herein.

For rational α=p/q, after q sites, the modulation repeats since for n=q,cos (2πqp/q)=cos(2πp)=cos(0), so that the value of the net onsite energyV₁ cos(2πnα) at lattice site n=q is identical to that at lattice siten=0. Therefore, for rational α, Equation (1) can be realized in a closedperiodic ring of q sites. In contrast, if the parameter α were anirrational number, the modulation cos(2πnα) would be different anddistinct for every value of n, and never repeat and hence the latticewould be of infinite extent and cannot be mapped to a finite closedring.

For a closed ring arrangement, the phase θ in Equation (1) can be shownto arise from or be directly impacted by rotation of the system or byproximity of magnetic fields; and because the solutions ψn of theequation depends on the value of θ, the distribution of the medium 106among the lattice sites 108, as defined by |ψn|², and specifically thedegree of localization of the medium 106 depends on the value of θ. Asused herein, operations that utilize this sensitivity will be referredto as extrinsic operation, since this will serve to detect rotation ofthe system 100 as a whole due to causes that may be extraneous to thesystem 100, or detect magnetic fields that maybe extraneous in origin.

For a closed ring arrangement, the phase φ in Equation (1) can berelated to the degree of rotation or twisting of the potential thatmodulates the onsite energy relative to the potential that creates thelattice structure. Thereby, if the subparts 101 and 102 comprise of thetwo potentials referred to herein, and each subpart 101, 102 isconnected to two separate objects 103 and 104 (which can be subparts ofthe same object), this phase φ can be a measure of the twisting orrelative rotation of the recited objects 103 and 104, which defines aseparate component of operation. As used herein, operations that utilizethis sensitivity will be referred to as intrinsic operation, since thisinvolves relative rotation of different components of the system 100.

Embodiments of the sensor system 100 in which media 106 are confined toa ring-shaped artificial lattice structure 105 can be modeled usingEquation (1) so that α=p/q, implies q lattice sites with onsite energiesmodulated at period p. In an idealized model representation having aninfinite number of lattice sites, (p, q→∞) all the eigenstates arelocalized for |λ|<½ and are extended for |λ|>½. This transition fromlocalization to extended distribution is also approximately true for afinite number of lattice sites arranged on closed ring, but thetransition can be more gradual than it would be in the idealized modelwith infinite number of lattice sites.

The degree of localization of the medium 106 can be quantified by theinverse participation ratio, related to the statistical variance anddefined as IPR=Σ_(n)|ψ_(n)|⁴, the absolute fourth power of theamplitudes of the medium 106 summed over all lattice sites 108, assumingthe sum of the absolute squares to be normalized to unityΣ_(n)|ψ_(n)|²=1. When the medium 106 is localized on a single latticesite only, then IPR=1. Whereas, if it is uniformly spread over all thelattice sites, then IPR=0 in the limit of an infinite lattice, butIPR→1/q for a finite lattice with q lattice sites.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary inverse participation ratio (IPR) in the caseof extrinsic operation, wherein the modulation phase φ is constant andunchanging, and therefore, for the purpose of illustration only, is setto zero. The IPR is plotted on the vertical axis as a function ofplotting variables λ and θ. The localization transition is clearlyvisible around |λ|=½, with localization occurring towards the center ofthe λ-axis, where |λ|<½. Since nature prefers states of lower energy,FIG. 12 specifically shows the IPR for the ground state or lowest energyeigenstate solution of Equation (1) for ψn, but this transition tolocalization to extended behavior is displayed by higher energyeigenstates as well.

FIG. 12 also shows that in the regime |λ|>½, the degree of localizationshows significant dependence on θ, whereby although the medium 106 isgenerally extended, the IPR periodically increases sharply, showingpartial localization around specific values of the phase θ. In contrast,there is no such dependence for |λ|<½, particularly away from thecritical value of |λ|=½. Such dependence, although shown here for thelowest eigenstate, is also evident for higher energy eigenstates. It canbe shown that non-vanishing θ in the exponential factor e^(±iθ) arisesdue to, and its value proportional to the degree/strength of: (1)angular velocity associated with rotation of the system and/or (2) avector potential due to the proximity of a gauge field such as amagnetic field. Therefore, if the system 100 is prepared such thatmedium 106 corresponds to an eigenstate or a superposition ofeigenstates that share partial localization around the same values of θ,then by calibrating the sensor system 100 to be near one of the sharpincreases in localization, a measurement of the degree of localizationof the medium 106 via its IPR will determine variations in the phase θand hence the presence of as well as the degree/strength of rate ofrotation and/or vector potential associated with magnetic fields.

FIG. 13 shows a contour plot of a top view of a section of FIG. 12centered on a region where a phase-sensitive ridge-like feature occursin the IPR. It shows that for larger values of the phase-sensitiveridge-like feature becomes increasingly sharp, which can be an indicatorof enhanced sensitivity to the changes in the phase θ.

Quantifying the sensitivity can be achieved via Fisher information,which is a widely accepted objective gauge of the sensitivity of ameasurement that can be used to compare completely different processes.It is defined in Equation (2) as:

$\begin{matrix}{{F(\theta)} = {\sum\limits_{n}{\left\lbrack {\frac{\partial}{\partial\theta}\log\mspace{14mu}{P_{n}(\theta)}} \right\rbrack^{2}\mspace{14mu}{P_{n}(\theta)}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu}(2)}\end{matrix}$

-   -   F(θ) is the Fisher information about the variable of interest θ    -   n is the relevant domain, and in the current context the index        labeling the lattice sites.    -   P_(n)(θ) is the probability distribution function and in the        current contextequal to |ψn|²

A high value of the Fisher information indicates higher sensitivity.FIG. 14 shows that near the locations of the phase-sensitive ridge-likefeatures, the Fisher information for an embodiment of the system 100 canreach values approximating 3×10⁹, a value that will be subsequentlyshown to be a substantial improvement over conventional methods andsystems. Significantly, the upward trend indicates that even highervalues are possible for larger magnitudes of λ.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary inverse participation ratio (IPR) in the caseof intrinsic operation, wherein the modulation phase θ is constant andunchanging, and therefore, for the purpose of illustration only, is setto zero. The IPR is plotted on the vertical axis, but now differentlyfrom the extrinsic case discussed above, it is plotted as a function ofplotting variables 1/λ and φ. The transition is clearly visible around1/|λ|=2, which corresponds to |λ|=½. Since the plotting variable is 1/λinstead of λ, the localization pattern reflected in the IPR is alsoinverted, meaning it displays localization away from the center where1/|λ|>2 which corresponds to |λ|<½. As in FIG. 12, and for the samereasons, the FIG. 15 also specifically shows the IPR for the groundstate solution of Equation (1) for ψn, but the transition tolocalization to extended behavior is displayed by higher energyeigenstates as well.

FIG. 15 also shows that in the regime 1/|λ|>2, which corresponds to|λ|<½, the degree of localization shows significant dependence on φ,whereby although the medium 106 is generally localized, the IPRperiodically decreases sharply, showing partial delocalization aroundspecific values of the phase φ. In contrast, there is no such dependencefor 1/|λ|<2 which corresponds to |λ|>½, particularly away from thecritical value of 1/|λ|=2. This dependence although shown here for thelowest eigenstate is also evident for higher eigenstates. As defined inEquation (1) the phase shift φ of the modulation is relative to thelattice sites. Hence, φ can serve as the measure of relative rotation oftwo systems (one coupled to the potential that creates the modulationand the other to the potential that creates the lattice sites). If thesystem is prepared such that medium 106 corresponds to an eigenstate ora superposition of eigenstates that share such partial delocalizationaround the same values of φ, then by calibrating the sensor system 100to be near one of the sharp decreases in localization, a measurement ofthe degree of localization of the medium 106 (due to relative rotation)can be made by measuring the variations of the phase φ.

FIG. 16 shows a contour plot of a top view of a section of FIG. 14centered on a region where a phase-sensitive dip-like feature occurs inthe IPR. It shows that for larger values of 1/|λ|, the phase-sensitivedip-like feature becomes increasingly sharp, which can be an indicatorof enhanced sensitivity to the changes in the phase φ.

FIG. 17 shows the associated sensitivity in intrinsic operationquantified by the Fisher information as defined above in Equation (2),but the parameter θ replaced by the parameter φ, and plotted versus(1/λ,φ) instead of (λ,θ). FIG. 17 shows that near the locations of thephase-sensitive dip-like features, the Fisher information for anembodiment of the system 100 in intrinsic operation can reach valuesapproximating 4×10⁵, and the upward trend indicating even higher valuespossible for larger magnitudes of 1/λ. This value will be subsequentlyshown to be significant improvement over conventional methods andsystems.

It should be noted that for extrinsic operation (e.g., FIG. 12), thetendency to delocalize should be in the regime where, in the absence ofrotation and proximate magnetic field, the medium 106 would be almostcompletely delocalized, which corresponds to regimes with values of|λ|>½ if the system can be described by Equation (1) or modifiedvariations of it specific to an embodiment. For intrinsic operation(e.g., FIG. 15), the tendency to localize should be in the regime where,in the absence of rotation, the medium 106 would be almost completelylocalized, which corresponds to regimes with values of 1/|λ|>2 if thesystem can be described by Equation (1) or modified variations of itspecific to an embodiment. With rotation, entire or relative and/orproximate magnetic field, partial localization or partial delocalizationcan occur.

In the case of both extrinsic and intrinsic operation, the determinationof the direction or the orientation of the rotation, as in right-handedor left-handed, clockwise or anticlockwise, can be determined forexample by calibrating the sensor system 100 to be appropriatelyproximate to one of the partial localization ridges or partialdelocalization dips, but not exactly at the local extremum of thatspecific ridge or the dip. Change in the phases θ or φ induced byextrinsic and intrinsic rotation respectively will cause the IPR toincrease or decrease depending on the direction of the rotation. Thesame principle can allow the determination of the orientation of themagnetic field or potential.

In some embodiments, it may be more convenient to initiate the medium106 in something other than a specific eigenstate or specificsuperposition of eigenstates, and then allow the medium 106 to evolve intime. Such scenarios can be described by the time-dependent Schrödingerequation corresponding to Equation (1) that we refer to as Equation (3)

$\begin{matrix}{{{V_{2}\Psi_{n + 1}e^{{- i}\;\theta}} + {V_{1}\mspace{14mu}{\cos\left( {{2\pi\; n\;\alpha} + \varphi} \right)}\Psi_{n}} + {V_{2}\Psi_{n - 1}e^{i\;\theta}}} = {i\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\Psi_{n}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu}(3)}\end{matrix}$

Notably, in this form Equation (3) applies to matter waves as well as tolight propagation, with reinterpretations that do not impact the primaryoutcomes relevant to embodiments of the system 100 and methods disclosedherein. This equation allows any suitable initial choice of amplitudeψn(t=0) to be evolved in time subject to the potentials (as described bythe left hand side of the equation) the medium 106 is subjected to untilthe time of measurement, t=T. The amount time from an initial time t=0until the time of measurement t=T will be referred to herein as durationof evolution. All preceding discussion herein continues to apply withthe only modification that the state of interest be the time-evolvedstate ψn(t=T), including in determining the distribution of the medium|ψn(t=T)|² and the IPR=Σ_(n)|Σ_(n)|ψ_(n) (t=T)|⁴.

FIG. 18 shows the Fisher information for extrinsic operation for thetime-evolved state ψn(t=T) and FIG. 19 shows the same for intrinsicoperation. They utilize and illustrate different initial conditions,with the initial state ψn(t=0) starting from being completely localizedfor the extrinsic case but starting from being completely delocalizedfor the intrinsic case. Both demonstrate high values of Fisherinformation comparable to counterparts computed using the respectiveground states in FIG. 14 and FIG. 17. There can be an advantage that inthis case, the value is more uniformly high across the entire range ofthe variables of interest θ and φ instead of at very specific values.Additionally, there continues to be an upward trend as parameter λ (forextrinsic) or its inverse 1/λ (for intrinsic) is increased indicatingeven higher values are possible for the Fisher information.

The Fisher information can be compared with that for Sagnacinterferometry that provides the basis for conventional high precisionrotation sensing. A Sagnac interferometer involving a circular path ofradius R where an input wavepacket comprising a medium originates at onepart of the circle, is split into two, each part traverses in oppositedirections and the two parts recombine at the diametrical opposite sideof the circular path, has Fisher information estimated for matter wavesby Equation (4):

$\begin{matrix}{F_{Sagnac} = {\left( {2\pi\; R^{2}} \right)^{2} = \left( \frac{4\tau^{4}}{\pi^{2}} \right)}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu}(4)}\end{matrix}$

Here units are assumed consistent with those implicit in Equations (1)and (3), and specifically the velocity of propagation is set to unity,so the length traversed is equivalent to the time elapsed, and hencetime (distance) to recombination is equal to half the circumferencelength τ=πR, which clarifies the second form presented above. For faircomparison this is evaluated with τ=T, the time that the wavefunction ofthe medium is allowed to evolve until measurement.

FIG. 20 is the Fisher information for extrinsic operation shown for T=1and λ=5 and FIG. 21 is the same for intrinsic operation but for 1/λ=20.From Equation (3) the values of the Fisher information for a comparableSagnac interferometer is 0.405, demonstrating the substantially improvedsensitivity of this invention for intrinsic and extrinsic operation. InFIG. 18 and FIG. 19, time of propagation was longer T=10 which resultedin a much higher value of the Fisher information. For comparison, forτ=10, the Fisher information for Sagnac interferometry referenced abovealso rises to a value of 4050, which is still significantly less than isachievable for this invention as seen from the recited figures.

In some embodiments, the medium 106 can self-interact with itself, whichcan manifest as nonlinear behavior. For example, when the medium 106comprises of ultracold atoms, each atoms can interact with other atoms.This can have the effect of altering the behavior of the medium 106 asregards its degree of localization that can influence the sensitivity ofthe degree of localization to rotation, entire or relative, andproximity of magnetic field, which can include instances of enhancingthe sensitivity. Such self-interaction of the medium 106 can in someembodiments be utilized for improving the sensitivity or precision ofmeasurement of amount of and/or the rate of rotation, entire orrelative, and/or the proximity and strength of magnetic potentialsand/or magnetic fields.

It should be noted that the discrete lattice model of FIG. 9 isexemplary of an idealized state, where the lattice sites 108 are denotedas uniformly spaced discrete locations with modulation of onsiteenergies that follow a sinusoidal pattern. In practice, lattice sites108 can be created by periodic undulation of some potential energyexperienced by the medium 106 (this is a separate potential imposed onthe medium 106 in addition to the potential that creates the modulationof onsite energies). In some embodiments, a superimposition of twosinusoidal potentials can be used to generate two lattices of slightlydifferent periodicities such that both can span the same physical spaceand can be merged together to produce a new composite lattice which isperiodic on a longer spatial scale. For example, FIG. 10 shows a firstlattice having five minima formed by a first sinusoidal potential and asecond lattice having three minima formed by a second sinusoidalpotential, the first and the second sinusoidal potentials beingsuperimposed or merged to generate the desired artificial latticestructure.

Periodic forms other than sinusoidal functions can be used, such asrectangular potentials (see FIG. 11), triangular potentials, etc. Theshape of the potentials (and hence the shape of the potential wells) maybe beneficial for particular applications, but it is the periodicstructure of the potential wells and the modulation of depths of thepotential wells that are important for purposes of causing variations inand detecting the degree of localization of the medium 106.

For any specific embodiment, the system can be prepared with the medium106 in some known state described by amplitude ψn(t=0), and after aspecific time T the density distribution of the medium 106 as quantifiedby |ψn(t=T)|² can be detected, as some examples have been given abovefor different embodiments. Based on the functionality desired, if thesystem 100 has been subject to rotation, entire or relative, and/orsubjected to a magnetic potential and/or proximate magnetic field, thedensity distribution of the medium 106 will have changed in proportionto the rate of rotation (for extrinsic operation) or the amount ofrotation (for intrinsic operation) or the strength of the magneticpotential and/or proximity of the associated magnetic field. With propercalibration, the density distribution of the medium 106, via the IPR,will serve as a precise measure of the amount and/or rate of rotationand/or the strength of the magnetic potential and/or proximate magneticfield.

In at least one embodiment, a sensor system 100 can include anartificial lattice structure configured to confine a medium 106 to aplurality of lattice sites 108 arranged in the shape of a closed ring.The artificial lattice structure can have lattice period that defines adistance between each lattice site 108. Each lattice site can be definedas a potential well having a site depth 112. A modulation mechanism canbe used for varying the site depth 112 of any one or combination oflattice sites 108 of the plurality of lattice sites 108. This can bedone in accordance with a modulation period. The modulation period canbe different from the lattice period. A magnitude of the modulation canbe defined by a modulation amplitude. The medium 106 can include aproperty of being able to migrate among the plurality of lattice sites108. The propensity of migration can be defined by a coupling strengthamong the plurality of lattice sites 108. The sensor system 100 can beconfigured to generate an output that is a function of the distributionof the medium 106 in the artificial lattice structure.

The sensor system 100 can further include an artificial latticestructure generating apparatus configured to generate the artificiallattice by continuous variation of an energy field or a structure towhich the medium 106 is sensitive so as to create a plurality of localminima where the medium 106 congregate. Each of the local minimumdefines a location of a lattice site 108.

The modulation mechanism can be configured to modulate any one orcombination of the site depth 112 and the coupling strength.

The artificial lattice can include a coherent light source (e.g., alaser) configured to generate photons as the medium 106. The artificiallattice can further include a plurality of waveguides 110 configured topropagate the photons. Each waveguide 110 can be set as a lattice site108 arranged in the closed ring-shape. The modulation mechanism caninclude an apparatus for tuning a refractive index of each waveguide110.

The artificial lattice can include a modulated ring-shaped interferencepattern of light comprising a first set of light beams and a second setof light beams. For instance, a pair of primary laser light sources cangenerate the first set of light beams comprising a first primary lightbeam and a second primary light beam. Each of the first primary lightbeam and the second primary light beam can have internal orbital angularmomentum, wherein the first primary light beam is characterized by anazimuthal mode index that differs from an azimuthal mode index of thesecond primary light beam such that the interference of the firstprimary light beam and the second primary light beam creates aring-shaped interference pattern of alternating dark and brightintensities to generate the plurality of lattice sites 108. A pair ofsecondary laser light sources can generate the second set of light beamscomprising a first secondary light beam and a second secondary lightbeam. Each of the first secondary light beam and the second secondarylight beam can have internal orbital angular momentum, wherein the firstsecondary light beam is characterized by an azimuthal mode index thatdiffers from an azimuthal mode index of the second secondary light beamsuch that the interference of the first secondary light beam and thesecond secondary light beam creates a ring-shaped interference patternof alternating dark and bright intensities. The azimuthal mode indicesof the second set of light beams can differ from the azimuthal modeindices of the first set of light beams so that the ring-shapedinterference pattern formed by the second set of light beams occurs at aperiodicity that differs from a periodicity of the ring-shapedinterference pattern formed by the first set of light beams. Themodulation mechanism can be configured to cause the ring-shapedinterference pattern formed by the second set of light beams to overlapwith the ring-shaped interference pattern formed by the first set oflight beams to generate the modulated ring-shaped interference pattern.The medium 106 can be confined within the modulated ring-shapedinterference pattern. The modulation mechanism can include an apparatusfor adjusting power of each of the primary laser light sources and thesecondary laser light sources to tune the coupling strength and themodulation amplitude. The system 100 can further include an additionallight source configured to generate a light-sheet to further confine themedium 106.

The system 100 can further include an apparatus for generating the atomsor molecules as the medium 106. The apparatus can be configured to placethe atoms or the molecules in an ultracold state to generate ultracoldatoms or molecules as the medium 106, wherein the atoms or the moleculesdisplay quantum mechanical features of coherent matter waves.

The system 100 can further include an apparatus for adjusting theazimuthal mode indices and the internal orbital angular momenta of thefirst set of light beams and the second set of light beams to adjust andcontrol the lattice period and the modulation period.

In some embodiments, the artificial lattice comprises a substrate havinga first material and a plurality of second material formations withinthe first material. The first material can have an energy bandgap thatis wider than an energy bandgap of the second material. The secondmaterial formations can be configured to confine the medium 106. Theplurality of second material formations can be arranged in the closedring-shape. The substrate can be configured as a transistor having asource terminal, a drain terminal, and a gate terminal. The modulationmechanism can include an apparatus for adjusting voltage applied to thetransistor.

The second material formations can be configured to confine the medium106 in an array of quantum wells. The system 100 can further include adetection unit configured to receive the output. The detection unit canbe a charge-coupled device (CCD). The detection unit can be a deviceconfigured to image medium 106. The detection unit can be a deviceconfigured to measure current flow from the array of quantum wells. Themedium 106 can be any one or combination of particles that carryelectric charge.

The system 100 can further include a processor configured to determinethe degree of localization of the medium 106 in the artificial latticestructure.

In one embodiment, a method for sensing rotation can involve adjustingthe modulation mechanism and/or the coupling strength among neighboringlattice sites of the sensor system 100 so that a ratio of the couplingstrength to the modulation amplitude causes the medium 106 to have atendency to delocalize or have a tendency to localize. The method caninvolve introducing the medium 106 so as to be distributed among theplurality of lattice sites 108 according to a predetermined distributionfunction. The method can involve allowing the medium 106 to exist orevolve in the sensor system 100 for a predetermined period of time. Themethod can involve measuring distribution of the medium 106 among theplurality of lattice sites 108 and quantifying the degree oflocalization of the medium 106. The method can involve detectingrotation by determining amount of rotation and/or the rate of rotationvia a calibration of degree of localization to the amount of rotationand/or the rate of rotation.

Detecting rotation can involve measuring extrinsic rotation, wherein themodulation mechanism is adjusted so that the ratio of the couplingstrength to the modulation amplitude causes the medium 106 to have atendency to delocalize in the absence of any rotation. The presence ofrotation causes partial localization in proportion to a rate ofrotation.

Detecting rotation can involve detecting relative rotation of a firstcomponent and a second component, wherein: the first component comprisesthe artificial lattice structure and a first object attached thereto;the second component comprises the modulation mechanism and a secondobject attached thereto; the modulation mechanism and/or the couplingstrength are adjusted so that the ratio of the coupling strength to themodulation amplitude causes the medium 106 to have a tendency tolocalize in the absence of any rotation. The presence of rotation causespartial delocalization in proportion to the rotation.

In one embodiment, a method for sensing magnetic fields and/or magneticpotentials can involve adjusting the modulation mechanism and/or thecoupling strength of the sensor system 100 recited in claim 1 so that aratio of the coupling strength to the modulation amplitude causes themedium 106 to have a tendency to delocalize in the absence of magneticfields and/or magnetic potentials. The method can involve introducingthe medium 106, the medium 106 carrying electric charge, so as to bedistributed among the plurality of lattice sites 108 according to apredetermined distribution function. The method can involve allowing themedium 106 to exist or evolve in the sensor system 100 for apredetermined period of time. The method can involve measuring thedistribution of the medium 106 among the plurality of lattice sites 108and quantifying the degree of localization of the medium 106. The methodcan involve detecting a magnetic potential and/or proximity of amagnetic field and measuring their strengths by calibration of thedegree of localization to the magnitude of magnetic potential and/or themagnitude of the magnetic field.

Practical applications for embodiments of the system 100 and methodsdisclosed herein can be in the realm of very high precision measurementsof rotation. The advantage lies in the potentially much highersensitivity achievable, so that minuscule rotations and fields can bedetected that may be beyond conventional methods. Precision rotationsensing is relevant in stabilization involving gyroscopy in bothmilitary and civilian applications. Additional applications can be inhigh precision devices for scientific experiments.

Potential applications in sensing magnetic fields can compete in anyapplications where currently SQUID (Superconducting Quantum InterferenceDevice) technology is used. Embodiments of the system 100 provide anentirely different operation principle from SQUID and have the advantageof very high sensitivity achievable at significantly faster time ofoperation than may be necessary with other technology. Such applicationsinclude medical applications such as in Magnetoencephalography,magnetogastrography, magnetic field imaging as alternates to Mill NMRtechnologies; additional applications include measuring properties ofsamples; other applications include in the field of geology such as inoil prospecting. Military applications can include magnetic anomalydetection in anti-submarine warfare.

It should be understood that modifications to the embodiments disclosedherein can be made to meet a particular set of design criteria. Forinstance, the number of or configuration of lattice structures 105,waveguides 110, light sources 114, 118, 124, 130, detection units 140,and/or other components or parameters may be used to meet a particularobjective.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerousmodifications and variations of the described examples and embodimentsare possible in light of the above teachings of the disclosure. Thedisclosed examples and embodiments are presented for purposes ofillustration only. Other alternative embodiments may include some or allof the features of the various embodiments disclosed herein. Forinstance, it is contemplated that a particular feature described, eitherindividually or as part of an embodiment, can be combined with otherindividually described features, or parts of other embodiments. Theelements and acts of the various embodiments described herein cantherefore be combined to provide further embodiments.

Therefore, it is the intent to cover all such modifications andalternative embodiments as may come within the true scope of thisinvention, which is to be given the full breadth thereof. Additionally,the disclosure of a range of values is a disclosure of every numericalvalue within that range, including the end points. Thus, while certainexemplary embodiments of apparatuses and methods of making and using thesame have been discussed and illustrated herein, it is to be distinctlyunderstood that the invention is not limited thereto but may beotherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of thefollowing claims.

1-20: (canceled)
 21. A sensor system, comprising: an artificial latticestructure configured to confine a medium to a plurality of lattice sitesarranged in the shape of a closed ring, the artificial lattice structurehaving a lattice period that defines a distance between adjacent latticesites, wherein each lattice site is defined as a potential well having asite depth; and a modulation mechanism for varying the site depth of anyone or combination of lattice sites of the plurality of lattice sites,in accordance with a modulation period, the modulation period beingdifferent from the lattice period, and a magnitude of the modulationdefined by a modulation amplitude; and wherein the medium comprises aproperty of being able to migrate among the plurality of lattice sites,with a propensity of migration defined by a coupling strength betweenadjacent lattice sites; wherein the sensor system is configured togenerate an output that is a function of the distribution of the mediumin the artificial lattice structure; wherein the modulation mechanism isconfigured to generate a ratio of the coupling strength to themodulation amplitude that causes the medium to have a tendency todelocalize or have a tendency to localize; and wherein the degree oflocalization is sensitive to presence of rotation, intrinsic orextrinsic, and to magnitude and/or rate of the rotation and/or toorientation of the rotation; and wherein, when the medium is a chargedmedium, the degree of localization is sensitive to presence of amagnetic field and to magnitude and/or orientation of that magneticfield.